Israel.

You want to go. We want to help.

Learn More

What we do?

Help make your dream a reality.

Finding a school

Not sure which school is right for you?
We can help you choose
the yeshiva or seminary
that is the best match for you.

Funding your year

A year in Israel is hugely beneficial, but it’s also very costly. The good news is there are many scholarship opportunities out there. We’ll help you navigate the options.

Our programs in Israel

Let Oorah be your support system in Israel. From ChillZone every week to placement for Shabbos and Yom Tov meals, we’ll be with you the whole way through.

Our Programs

What students are saying


“I could have gone straight to university. That would have given me a degree and could have helped me get a job in the future. But it doesn’t give me the roots and foundation of what it takes to build a Jewish life and a family life, to grow as a person and mature. So I came to Israel, the ideal setting to establish such things.”

-Jesse Meyerowitz, Thornhill, Ontario, student at Birchas HaTorah in the Old City of Jerusalem

Funding your year

A year in Israel is hugely beneficial, but it’s also very costly.
The good news is there are many scholarship opportunities out there.
We’ll help you navigate the options.

Oorah offers a significant scholarship to students affiliated with Oorah’s programs, TheZone campers, and Jewish public high school students. We also offer a monthly stipend to help cover living expenses.

Eligibility for a scholarship and/or stipend is contingent on:

  • Attending a Discover U session the summer prior and following your year in Israel. Discover U is Oorah’s summer program for post-high school guys and girls hosted at TheZone, our magnificent campus in upstate New York. There are several Discover U sessions each summer of either two or three week trips.
  • Weekly ChillZone attendance. At Chillzone’s Saturday night learning program, you’ll enjoy pizza, friends and fun all while learning and having a great time.
  • Participation in annual Shabbaton for Oorah students.

Apply for Scholarship Apply for Stipend

There are many additional scholarship opportunities available to help fund your year. We provide this list merely as a resource for you and are not affiliated with nor take any responsibility for any of the programs listed here.

Masa Israel Journey

Offers universal grants and need-based scholarships of $3,000- $4,500 to non-Israeli participants of affiliated programs studying in Israel for at least 5 consecutive months. Apply Here >

Jeff Seidel’s AW Scholarship

Offers a $400 scholarship towards airfare to Israel. Applications will only be accepted after you are accepted to an approved school and within 6 weeks to 2 months prior to attendance. Apply Here >

The Alisa Flatow Memorial

Awards a limited number of scholarships each year on a competitive basis. Applications are due by February 15.
Apply Here >

NCSY National Torah Fund

Scholarship Program Application
Go Here >

Nechomas Yisroel

Offers scholarships of $1000+ for yeshiva/seminary attendees from non-observant homes who currently attend public school or a non-denominational school.
Call (718) 633-1620 for info.

FAFSA

US government funding for students at American colleges. Some yeshivas have Joint Israel programs and considered overseas programs of registered American colleges. Ask your school about FAFSA grants. fafsa.ed.gov/

Rabbi Benzion Klatzko

Offers need-based airfare and tuition scholarships for students to study at select yeshivas or seminaries in Israel. Email Rabbi Klatzko directly at sagewannabe@aol.com .

Jewish National Fund

JNF allows you to earn money towards your tuition by raising money to plant trees in Israel. For every $36 donation that you receive, half will be applied to your personal tuition fund. Start your fund >

Torah Letzion

Helping students grow religiously and personally in their respective yeshivas and seminaries. The deadline to apply for a scholarship in February 16.
Apply Here >

Your local Jewish Federation

May have scholarships available. Find your local federation Here > and CALL their office. Ask to speak with a financial aid director and ask if you are eligible to apply for any scholarships.

Your local synagogue

Ask your rabbi if your synagogue or local Jewish organizations offer any financial assistance for students to study in Israel.

Your yeshiva/seminary

May offer some kind of subsidy or scholarship as well.

Make your dream come true

Contact Us

Let Oorah be your support system in Israel. From ChillZone every week to placement for Shabbos and Yom Tov meals, we’ll be with you the whole way through.

Our programs in Israel

Let Oorah be your support system in Israel.
From ChillZone every week to placement for Shabbos and Yom Tov meals,
we’ll be with you the whole way through.

Boys Chillzone

Girls Chillzone

Financial assistance

Annual ShabbaZone

Jerusalem Marathon Team ChillZone

Shabbos and Yom Tov placement
FAQs

What will be with my college plans?

A year in Israel does not have to come at the expense of college. Many colleges will allow you to defer enrollment for a year or even two, an option that is worth considering if you’ve already been accepted to a college you want to attend. Of course college is important for your professional future, but a year spent in Israel is an irreplaceable opportunity to gain a solid foundation for your personal development.

Many schools in Israel have programs which allow you to earn college credits for your yeshiva or seminary studies. Many universities will accept these college credits. Contact the yeshiva/seminary and college you are interested in attending to find out if this option is available.

Will I have to take care of everything myself in a foreign country?

The notion of leaving the comfort of your parents’ home for foreign territory may be daunting to you, and rightly so. But you will not be alone. Both Oorah and the yeshiva or seminary you choose will be there to help you figure things out and get you settled. We can also help you with finding meals for Shabbos and Yom Tov. Some schools will provide you with nearly all your needs while others give you more independence. But either way, you’ll find that the experience of taking charge of your life is an invaluable preparation for the “real life” that comes afterward.

Our Staff

member photo

Rabbi Tzvi Yoffe

Senior Tuition Coordinator for tuition scholarship and stipend questions
Tzvi.yoffe@oorah.org
member photo

Rabbi Rafi Fried

Discover U and ChillZone questions for boys
Refael.fried@oorah.Org
member photo

Mrs. Gitty Mintz

Discover U and ChillZone questions for girls
gittie@oorah.org

Contact Us


+732 987 8400
 Israel@oorah.org
Oorah © 2019 Oorah is a 501c3 organization | Oorah is sponsored in part by
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